Ever since I found tips on how to make lotion bars, I’ve experimented with completely different variations together with sunscreen bars, Vapo-Rub bars, and others. At present’s favourite: bug repellent lotion bars!
They’re as straightforward to make as the unique bars, and so they appear much more efficient at retaining bugs away than regular homemade bug spray. Most likely as a result of they really coat the pores and skin with a protecting layer. They’re straightforward to take alongside and the children can apply it themselves.
What’s the Drawback With Bug Spray?
Whereas I’m definitely not a fan of mosquitos or tick bites, I’m not an enormous fan of typical bug spray both. These often include DEET, a chemical that research have linked to an entire host of potential well being points.
A number of the reported side effects embody wheezing, muscle cramping, pores and skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and issue concentrating. There are additionally studies of elevated most cancers danger, aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable physique actions. Specialists guarantee us the danger seems to be low although…
Bug Repellent Lotion Bar Components
As a substitute of being crammed with toxins like typical bug sprays, this recipe nourishes and moisturizes the pores and skin whereas defending it. It makes use of a base of coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. You can even use cocoa butter or mango butter if most well-liked for a barely more durable bar.
I’ve additionally included a wide range of herbs which can be nice at repelling undesirable bugs. You don’t have to make use of all of them when you don’t have them readily available, however I do suppose it really works higher. If that you must substitute an herb, simply add some extra of the others as an alternative.
Dried herbs work finest on this recipe since recent herbs may cause the infused oil to mould. When you have recent herbs out of your backyard you’d like to make use of, merely dehydrate them some first. Here’s a guide on drying herbs.
The vitamin E is non-compulsory but it surely helps prolong the shelf life and stop the oils from oxidizing as rapidly. I additionally add some further safety with important oils. These are extra concentrated than the herbs and assist increase the bar’s effectivity. I like this kidsafe blend from Plant Remedy.
Lotion Bar Molds
I take advantage of silicone molds to set the bars. These are the cupcake molds I used however I additionally love these heart ones or simple flower molds which might each be nice for items. There are additionally actual bar shaped ones. When you don’t have a silicone mould, then a lined cupcake pan may work.
On to the recipe!
Bug Repellant Lotion Bar Recipe
Hold away bugs with out chemical substances utilizing herbs and important oils in a nourishing lotion bar.
Yield: 5 bars
Infuse the Oil
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Utilizing a double boiler or glass bowl on high of a small saucepan, warmth some water within the backside of the pan to boiling.
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Place the coconut oil within the high a part of the double boiler and add the dried rosemary, cloves, thyme, cinnamon, catnip, and mint.
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Cowl the bowl or high a part of the double boiler and preserve the water at a medium temperature for at the least half-hour or till the oil has adopted a darker colour and smells strongly of rosemary. You can even fill a gradual cooker about half full with water, put the coconut oil and herbs in a glass mason jar with a good lid, cowl and carry on the lowest setting for a number of days to make an excellent stronger infused oil.
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Pressure the herbs out of the oil utilizing a small mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour the oil again into the double boiler. The oil may have lowered by virtually half and it’s best to have about ½ cup of the infused oil. When you have extra, put it aside for subsequent time!
Make the Lotion Bars
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Add the butter(s) and beeswax to the double boiler with the infused coconut oil and stir till all have melted.
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Take away from the warmth and add the vitamin E oil and important oils (if utilizing).
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Pour the liquid into the molds.
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Go away within the molds till fully set (in a single day is finest). Or you may velocity up the method by putting them within the fridge.
- To make use of, rub the bars on uncovered areas of DRY pores and skin to guard towards mosquitoes.
- I take advantage of cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. When you use a special dimension, your yield will probably be completely different.
Don’t Need to Make Them?
If you wish to use lotion bars however don’t have the time or elements to make them your self, I discovered an excellent various. Made On is a small enterprise that makes every kind of lotion bars, soaps, pure child merchandise and hair merchandise which can be as much as my requirements. You may browse all of their non-toxic products here and use the code wellnessmama for a reduction!
How do you retain the bugs away? Share under!
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